Photo: Chalkfest Maple Grove
Drawing artists from places like Mexico, Ukraine and Colombia is the ninth annual Chalkfest Maple Grove, held this year on June 8 and 9. Close to 50 chalk professionals and amateurs, plus art enthusiasts, will turn Maple Grove’s Main Street into a walkable art gallery where visitors are welcome to snap selfies with larger-than-life mandalas, 3D pieces of art and more.
“It’s so fun to bring [the artists] in and see what their works are going to be,” says Kira Johnson, executive director of Chalkfest Maple Grove. “They’re all so unique, different and engaging. I love that piece of Chalkfest, and it’s what everyone comes for.”
Chalkfest is expanding this year to accommodate new additions, such as the Kidz Zone, live music sponsored by Experience Maple Grove (including a performance by Kat Perkins), food, the Omni Brewing Beer Garden and more.
“We’re extending it one block north of Arbor Lakes Parkway due to large crowds [and] interest,” Johnson says. “… We anticipate that we had well over 25,000 visitors last year, and we anticipate that will continue to grow this year.”
Visit Chalkfest Maple Grove from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on June 8 and 9 on downtown Main Street (between Elm Creek Boulevard and one block north of Arbor Lakes Parkway). Art will be open for viewing through June 10.
